Pondering Rosalind, as in Russell…

If you are wondering how to escape the onslaught of political ads pummeling the airwaves, TC has a recommendation— set yourself up for a Rosalind Russell film fest. Why? Read on! —the editor

During the doldrums of an election year, with constant ad buys that keep local TV stations operating until the barrage of Christmas ads, I find myself going to alternative programming. It used to be to my classic movie channels, like TCM/Turner Classic Movies. In the streaming world, I need to utilize the current pay and free streamers for content — specific content.

>>> Specific, as in our own Auntie Mame, actress Rosalind Russell.<<<

There has been a few roles Russell had been known for, on stage and screen. Nothing more so than Auntie Mame.

Based on book by Patrick Dennis, Auntie Mame was first a stage play, adapted to the screen by Morton DaCosta and Warner Bros. Eventually became a Broadway musical with Angela Lansbury, and eventually another motion picture starring a gravel voiced Lucille Ball.

The book is about Patrick’s adventures with his eccentric living (code for Liberal) Aunt after the untimely death of his straight-laced father (code for conservative), and his upbringing. Through the depression, custody issues with the trustee of the late father’s estate, Mame’s life changed since Patrick arrived, as much as Patrick’s did. As much as the trustee wanted to close Patrick’s mind, Mame worked as hard to keep it open.

You got to Live, Live, LIVE. Life is a banquet, and poor souls are starving to death…

Adventures and shenanigans pursue. The key theme is a quote from Auntie Mame, “You got to Live, Live, LIVE. Life is a banquet, and poor souls are starving to death.”

The dialogue is fast-paced. I believe Rosalind Russell was the only actress who in her prime could pull it off. A selection of her work is an example:

IMHO…

Auntie Mame is an absolute treat and needs to be screened (AKA viewed/watched) on a regular basis. I can escape from a litany of “I approve this message-blah blah blah” to encounter incredibly smart dialogue. I don’t think Russell would be interested in a part if it did not have smart dialogue.

I don’t think Russell would be interested in a part if it did not have smart dialogue…

The Essential Rosalind Russell…

For your viewing pleasure, the following is what I consider the essential Rosalind Russell. Most of these titles I have found on Tubi, which carries a bunch of Warner Bros and Columbia Pictures titles, although you may find them on TCM/Turner Classic Movies.

The Women (1939): A who’s who of the MGM lot from 1939. Lost in the shuffle of a great year in movies, Rosalind plays Sylvia Fowler, a catty broad who relishes the demise of one of her lady friend’s marriage. Be careful what you wish for and relish, Sylvia.

His Girl Friday (1940):Howard Hawk’s rendition of The Front Page, with dynamics changed to a divorced couple and a hot news story. She co stars with Cary Grant, need we say more.

Picnic (1956): Joshua Logan’s screen adaptation of the William Inge play. Featuring a plethora of Columbia Pictures stars, including William Holden, Kim Novak, Cliff Robertson and Arthur O’Connell. Russell plays the spinster librarian enjoying the festivities of Labor Day weekend in a little town, when a stranger arrives to change everyone’s lives.

Auntie Mame (1958): A1958 event film in full widescreen Technicolor. Take a look at the supporting role of Peggy Cass as Agnes Gooch. Oscar nominated and part of the inspiration of yours truly prosthetic leg.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051383/?ref_=nm_flmg_knf_t_1

Gypsy (1962):The adaptation of the Broadway musical, and technically Rosalind could not sing, or as great as the original star, Ethel Merman. But she fought for the role and was a bigger movie star at the time. Also Natalie Wood could not sing but was a bigger star that even Russell.

The Trouble with Angels (1966): Russell played the Mother Superior in this, and its sequel, Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows. Heading an all-girls Catholic Academy, she fended of rebellious teens, in the form of Hailey Mills, and rebellious nuns, in the form of Stella Stevens (!). The first movie is exceptionally touching and very grounded, mostly thanks to director Ida Lupino, of film noir era.

That’s a Wrap…

I highly recommend taking a chance on any of these movies and enjoy the diverse work of Miss Rosalind Russell. Even if you have seen them already, a revisit with an old friend can make and day be better.

Thanks for reading and pondering with me. —TC